Traditional rivalry takes centre stage at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

WITH MEDAL HOPES HANGING IN THE BALANCE, India take on Pakistan tomorrow, in an intense encounter in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
 
Five-time winners India, finished with the bronze last year, and have already won two out of their three encounters in the tournament, beating Japan (2-1) and Canada (3-1).
 
Pakistan on the other hand, have won just one game, beating Canada 3-1 before losing to New Zealand and Australia. They are currently sixth in the standings. Pakistan haven’t qualified for the Olympics in Rio this year, but are high on motivation to edge past their sub-continent rivals in Malaysia.
 
The two teams last faced each other at the FIH level at the HWL Semi Finals in Antwerp, with the game ending 2-2. India went on to the semifinals of the event, while Pakistan’s hopes of Olympic qualification were dashed by a loss to Ireland.
 
As it is with India-Pakistan encounters, the latest edition promises fine, skilful, attractive hockey. India’s strengths lies in their penalty corner conversion, with youngster Harmanpreet Singh grabbing his debut chance for the senior team with both hands. The drag flicker already has two goals in the tournament.
 
A win for India will see them make a strong case to enter the medal rounds, while a loss for Pakistan will more or less knock them out of contention.